El. Train + Javeon – “Gold”
One of the Brighton scene’s brightest emerging beatmakers, El Train is making serious waves on both sides of the Atlantic, on the radar of cult US collective Soulection as well as serious tastemakers Complex and Wonderland for his recent releases.
Following on from his recent, critically acclaimed release “She” featuring Barney Artist, El’s second release of 2018 “Gold” again features serious emerging heat in Javeon.
With an ephemeral, bouncy instrumental showcasing Javeon’s silken vocals, early comparisons are being made to the iconic Kaytranada. The sincerest of compliments, El Train has created a jam that is honest in its interpretation of the groove and an overall feel good track with an imaginative animated lyric video to match.
A second taster of his relentless work ethic this year, and with a growing collab list that counts some of the hottest emerging UK talent in Bassette, Pip Millett, Sam Wills and Age of L.U.N.A., El Train continues to cement his reputation as one of the hottest artists coming out of the country right now. Get ready to hear lots more of El Train across 2018.
Masego + SiR – “Old Age”
Considered one of the gems in the contemporary R&B crown, Masego has cultivated an international mass following with his smooth yet funky style of music he dubbed as ‘Trap House Jazz‘.
The Virginia native is gearing up for his debut album release which is right around the corner and forwards the momentum with his brand new single “Old Age” featuring frequent collaborator and TDE‘s very own SiR.
Carrying on thematically from his previous effort “Lady Lady“, Masego makes his admiration for woman abundantly clear but with this record, aptly titled, he has created something special for the women who might lean more on the mature side. But that still doesn’t affect his love for them regardless as the multi-instrumentalist churns a vibe that perfectly leans on modern R&B.
The song’s melody, intertwined with jests from Instagram comedian Renny, is also perfect for Los Angeles crooner SiR who matches the funk levels provided by the guitar section and he also doesn’t hold back in his love for older women.
“Old Age” marks second released single from the upcoming album after “Lady Lady”, the titular track, set for release September 7 and with that Masego will embark on a North American and European tour.
Jetta – “Enemy In Me”
Liverpudlian singer songwriter Jetta shares her new single “Enemy In Me“. The single is the closing track from her upcoming self released EP Tonic set for release this Friday (August 24).
“Enemy In Me” is an honest reflection of real-life emotion: the raw lyrics call out for someone to ‘save me’ as she questions ‘am I crazy?’. Musically, Jetta’s signature vocal is accompanied by an emotive piano riff, layered with a powerful synth bassline. The final product is effortlessly catchy and a heartfelt conclusion to her EP.
Jetta’s previous singles have allowed her to be transparent and relatable to those that listen. “Hangin’” is a testament to that.
On her creative process, Jetta says: “Creating the EP was almost like therapy for me – all the things that had been holding me back emotionally, keeping guarded, locked in creatively – were alleviated by the process of writing, producing and recording. It felt important to go on a journey with the project, it’s not all one mood…”
The D.I.Y Liverpudlian has amassed a serious cult following with over 100 Million plays on Spotify alone to her name, capping a milestone year by receiving an RIAA Gold certification for her track “I’d Love To Change The World“.
Nina Nesbitt – “Loyal To Me”
Scottish singer Nina Nesbitt is giving boys’ advice in the music video for her last single “Loyal To Me“. Nesbitt dresses up in pink and dons her best ballet shoes, serving some serious dance moves.
The song was born from the singer’s personal experience, as she recounts that “I wrote this song for my best friend who was dating a guy who didn’t have her best intentions at heart. I think often when we like someone we can make excuses for their behaviour and be blinded to who they really are”.
So girls, if your guy is not giving you the attention you deserve, take Nesbitt’s advice and “tell him I got somewhere else to be/ I don’t lose my head for nobody“.
The singer has been busy touring all this past year and performing at every major music festival in the UK. Since her first album, Peroxide debuted at number one in Scotland and 11 in the UK, Nesbitt has undergone some major changes in her career.
After leaving her record label, she signed with the independent label Cooking Vinyl, and went on to release several top charting singles, in the wait for her sophomore album.
“Loyal To Me” was released on August 10, and now the official music video has been unveiled, pushing the song even further. The song is a pop, R&B cut that, according to the singer, draws from the 90s’-00s’ music. The vibe is similar to that of British group Little Mix, except that Nina serves as a solo act.
Personally I found the song to be a fresh welcome and with some well-deserved female empowering lines. If this is a small bite out of Nina’s next album, I can’t wait to hear the rest of it.
Watch the music video below:
Tranell – “Too Catty”
Following the success of his studio clip which went viral on Twitter as well as the release of infectious new freestyle, rising UK R&B star and recent Virgin EMI signee Tranell has released his brand new track “Too Catty” under the deal with his new label family.
The track captivates with its contagious energy, combining the vibrant UK sound with hints of catchy R&B. Right in the thick of the Afro-Bashment wave, Tranell is braggadocious and certainly at his best as he lets the people know no one is coming close to him and his team. He carries the song with so much swag and confidence that it’s hard for this song to not grow on you.
“It just came to me; all my boys would be complaining about ‘catty’ girls and how only some of them want you for your sauce. So, I made it into a song. I’m excited for everyone to hear it!” says Tranell.
Tranell is currently in ‘EP mode’ as he writes as much music as possible to maintain the momentum of ‘Too Catty’, with number of options for follow up singles, as well as favourites for a full-length project. At the same time, Tranell remains a kid fresh out of college who’s now suddenly on course for stardom, which gives the promising talent a unique outlook in itself.
Bobii Lewis – “Never Leave”
Tipped as one of Complex’s ‘10 British R&B/Soul artists to watch’, Contemporary R&B artist Bobii Lewis provides us with some new heat, unveiling his luscious new record “Never Leave“.
He returns with a solo piece after hot previous singles “Daylight” with Kojey Radical and the feelgood “Force You” with the talented Not3s, the latter also co-signed by Complex. “Never Leave” is a melodic production fusing upbeat chords and summer tones with the singer/songwriter’s dynamic vocal range. It’s never too late to get a taste of Bobii’s summer vibe but with that urban grit he carries so well makes this a quality effort.
Having catapulted into the mainstream consciousness with his 2016 mixtape Blind In The Summer featuring WSTRN, Stefflon Don, Avelino, and Wretch 32, the production soon clocked over 2 million listens on SoundCloud, with Bobii consequently signing to BMG Records.
Embodying the fresh and innovative sound of UK music right now with his rich, soulful voice, the North Londoner remains one of the industry’s most hotly discussed up-and-coming talents, with “Never Leave” serving as an obvious reminder.
Words by Jay Tijani and Camilla Moratta
